16/02/09:
Caught the bus about 9.20am and set off for River Valley. Made several stops for breakfast and supplies and went through the mountains where we done the Tongariro Crossing the other day and stopped there for a look around a visitors centre with info about the mountains and volanoes and kiwis, etc. Then stopped near a waterfall where people could jump in but you'll b pleased to know it was too cold for me, plus i didnt have my towel or swimsuit so i just watched a couple of them do it. Then we arrived at river valley lodge- it is a lodge in the middle of nowhere- in a valley beside a river so the surroundings are stunning! However, we put down for a normal bunk room but there wasnt any left so we have ended up in the orgy room! It is called that because 16 people are in one room and 4 people sleep side by side on one big bed!! The toilets are awful too- they are sheds with gaps above and below the door and you can see in at people having showers!! But oh well- this is backpacker life i spose! We was going to walk up mountain over the river but to get across u have to sit on a wooden platform above river and pull yourself across??!! Having a roast dinner here later tho! We got chatting to a few of the new people (cos we stayed an extra night in Taupo our driver and most people on the bus have changed)- they seem ok but a bit loud. Had the roast dinner- it was ok for backpacking food but nothing compared to home! Chilled in bar for a while then went back to orgy room and played cards and tried to go to sleep but as you can imagine it was very noisy with people messing around all night so didnt sleep very well.

17/02/09: Up at about 8. Gorgeous sunny day. We chilled by the river all morning- seriously the views from the valley are amazing! I'm having a bit of a problem with a sun burnt face- my nose is peeling and so is my forehead so my face is lots of colours! Left on the bus about 1 for Wellington.